Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats

The World Test Championship (WTC) era has redefined the stakes in Test cricket, turning every run, session, and innings into a pivotal moment in a two-year-long quest for supremacy. While the spotlight usually shines on match-winners, some of the most remarkable displays with the bat have come from players whose teams ended up on the losing side.

These efforts—often overlooked—stand as powerful testaments to individual brilliance, resilience, and grit under pressure. This list celebrates the Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats, where the scoreboard may not reflect victory, but the performances remain unforgettable for their courage and class against the odds.

Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats:

5. Rishabh Pant – 97 vs Australia, Sydney (2021)

Match Result: Draw

Why It Stands Out
While technically not a defeat, India were in deep trouble chasing 407 when Rishabh Pant arrived at the crease. What followed was a fearless counterattack—his blistering 97 off 118 balls flipped the narrative and forced Australia to fear an Indian victory out of nowhere. With audacious strokeplay and nerves of steel, Pant’s knock didn’t bring a win, but it completely shifted the momentum. In a drawn match, his innings felt like a victory in itself—earning a deserved spot among the Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats.

4. Marnus Labuschagne – 111 vs India, Brisbane (2021)

Match Result: Australia lost by 3 wickets

Why It Stands Out
In a match forever remembered for India’s historic Gabba triumph, Marnus Labuschagne’s elegant 111 on Day 1 laid the foundation for Australia’s first-innings total. Amidst a crumbling batting lineup, he stood tall with precise footwork, crisp drives, and calm under pressure against a fiery Indian pace attack. However, as India pulled off a once-in-a-generation chase, Labuschagne’s brilliant effort was overshadowed—making it a forgotten gem among the Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats.

3. Ollie Pope – 145 vs India, Edgbaston (2022 WTC cycle)

Match Result: England lost by 151 runs

Why It Stands Out
Ollie Pope’s counterattacking 145 in the first innings was a masterclass in timing and intent, yet it was quickly overshadowed by India’s dominant all-round display. On a challenging pitch where most batters faltered against the relentless pace of Bumrah and Shami, Pope’s command over both spin and seam was remarkable. His nimble footwork against Jadeja and fluent back-foot play were highlights of a top-tier knock. But England’s second-innings collapse buried his brilliance—earning this forgotten gem a rightful place among the Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats.

2. Babar Azam – 196 vs Australia, Karachi (2022)

Match Result: Draw (but moral defeat for Australia after dominance)

Why It Stands Out
While the match officially ended in a draw, it felt like a moral victory for Pakistan—thanks to Babar Azam’s monumental 196 off 425 balls in the fourth innings. Facing a daunting target of 506 and nearly two full days to survive, Babar produced one of the finest fourth-innings efforts in Test history. His blend of composure, elegance, and unyielding grit kept Pakistan afloat against all odds. Yet, despite the scale of his resistance, the knock remained underappreciated on the global stage—securing its place among the Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats.

1. Dimuth Karunaratne – 103 vs South Africa, Centurion (2020)

Match Result: Sri Lanka lost by an innings and 45 runs

Why It Stands Out
On a seaming Centurion track where survival itself was a challenge, Dimuth Karunaratne’s composed 103 shone brightly amidst chaos. Facing Rabada and Ngidi at full throttle, the Sri Lankan skipper held firm with impeccable technique and timing, anchoring an innings as wickets tumbled around him. It was a century marked by grace under fire. Yet, with little support and an outmatched bowling unit, his brilliance was lost in South Africa’s dominant win—making it a worthy entry in the Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats.

Quick Recap Table

Rank	Player	Score	Opponent	Venue	Match Result	Notable Aspect
1	Dimuth Karunaratne	103	South Africa	Centurion	Lost by innings	Lone stand on a brutal pitch
2	Babar Azam	196	Australia	Karachi	Draw (Australia dominant)	10-hour vigil saving the match
3	Ollie Pope	145	India	Edgbaston	Lost by 151 runs	Classy innings against world-class bowling
4	Marnus Labuschagne	111	India	Brisbane	Lost by 3 wickets	Gabba ton lost in India’s historic chase
5	Rishabh Pant	97	Australia	Sydney	Draw	10-hour vigil to save the match

Conclusion

In the high-pressure arena of the World Test Championship, not every great innings ends in victory. These Top 5 Underrated WTC Batting Efforts in Defeats remind us that true skill and resilience often shine brightest in adversity. Though their teams fell short, these batters displayed extraordinary technique, determination, and heart—leaving an indelible mark on the game. Celebrating these performances is a tribute to the spirit of Test cricket, where individual brilliance can transcend the final result.

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